The Giving Guide - Supporting NonProfits

Mission:"Our mission is to provide comprehensive services and family support to medically fragile, developmentally delayed, physically challenged, and behaviorally disordered children and their families by providing services that evoke maximum potential and foster the development of intellectual and social competence."

Children’s respite care center is a local, independent, non-profit organization that focuses on the holistic development of children with special needs. We provide an array of programs designed specifically for children with special needs that will enable them to reach their maximum potential in terms of health, well being, and social and cognitive development. CRCC was founded on the principle of helping families who had very few viable options for care because of their child’s special needs and is the sole facility of this kind in the state of Nebraska.

Children’s Respite Care Center (CRCC)was co-founded in 1990 by Theresa Fitzgerald and Christine Johnson to assist families with children who had special needs and who, at that time, had very limited choices for specialized day services. CRCC values all children but our focus is on the holistic development of children with special needs; children with health and/or developmental concerns who require a specially-designed plan of care in order to reach their maximum potential. While developing the program, the most important source of information came from parents of children with special needs; they desired a comprehensive program that addressed the cognitive, therapeutic, and social needs of this population.

In response to those needs,CRCC offers various programs in two Omaha locations. The day program includes nursing services, medically based physical, occupational and speech therapy, transportation and educational curriculum with typical peer models. The goal of the overnight weekend program is to make every child’s weekend experience just like home and allow parents a worry free break or weekend getaway. Behavioral Health services are available to help children with behavioral issues that keep them from succeeding at home, school, childcare or other community settings. These services include therapeutic day services, outpatient mental health therapy and community treatment aides. Children’s Respite Care Center is the place where children find a world full of possibilities, and where parents find peace of mind. “Our philosophy is to care for special needs children in such a way that enables growth, and first recognizes and preserves the dignity of each.

Giving opportunities:  

• There are many avenuesfor contributing time, talent and financial support. Many of the necessary extras are made possible because of the generosity of people like you. Contributions from Individual Donors, Business Contributors and Special Events are used for program expansion, capital improvements, adaptive/specialized equipment, computer labs, fleet of vans for the transportation program, specialized training, Scholarship Funds and other projects as needed. •Margaret Johnson March Endowment Fund– Gifts in any amount can be made to ensure perpetuity of CRCC services.


• Annual Musical Revue Fundraiser – Held in August each year – Attend the event and/or there are many sponsorship opportunities.


• Memorials/Tributes/Honor Gifts – Honor a special occasion or the memory of a loved one by supporting CRCC.


• Planned Gifts– Through estates, trusts, insurance and securities are always gratefully received and allow you to choose the type of legacy you wish to leave. Please call the Development Office for more information.


• Year End Giving– Your contribution helps us to continue assisting the children with special needs in our community.

Volunteer opportunities: 

• With the gift of time, talent and wisdom, Children’s Respite Care Center’s special children benefit from the 1:1 interaction that a volunteer can offer. Volunteers are important to the success of CRCC’s unique services as they function as positive role models offering support, encouragement and companionship to our special clientele. We feel this program provides a mutually rewarding experience for both the volunteer as well as the child. To be eligible, volunteers must be at least 14 years of age and complete the application process and service area training. Volunteers may sign–up to assist one–time or on an on–going basis. We also have opportunities available for community groups.


• On–going Opportunities at all locations:Interact and assist with children in the classrooms or on fieldtrips; Assist teachers with preparing for future lessons (i.e. copying, cutting, pasting); Reading to the children; Clean and sanitize toys, classroom furniture and adaptive equipment; Painting, window washing and small repair projects; Landscaping and flower bed maintenance; Light housekeeping, cooking meals and making snacks


• Annual Opportunities:Arts for All (Month of April); Summer Sensations Day Camp (Months of June–August)


• To volunteer contact:Amy Melies – 496-1000 or Chelsea Hoff – 895-4000